Stock warning as spring storm hits

  • 25/09/2018

Weather forecasters say the chilly blast sweeping the country could pose a problem for farmers.

A storm which battered the east coast of the North Island earlier this month saw the loss of an estimated 100,000 spring lambs.

The region had significant rainfall and gale winds over a week from the start of September. The loss was a big blow for farmers at the start of lambing season.

Metservice has issued a new severe weather warning, predicting gales for parts of the lower South Island as well as central Hawke's Bay and Tararua District.

It says wintry showers are expected in the far south.

Metservice says the wintry showers and southwest gales in the far south are likely to create challenging conditions for vulnerable stock.    

Latest information:

Strong wind watch:

Area: Tararua District and Hawkes Bay south of Hastings

Valid: 8 hours from 3:00 am to 11:00 am Wednesday

Forecast: Westerly winds may approach severe gale at times.

Area: North Otago, Dunedin, Clutha, and southern Southland

Valid: 15 hours from 8:00 pm Tuesday to 11:00 am Wednesday

Forecast: Cold southwest winds may approach severe gale at times.

Watches no longer in place:

Strong wind watch lifted for: Coromandel Peninsula south of Whitianga and western Bay of Plenty.

Gale westerlies are easing and are no longer expected to reach severe gale.

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